Are rules impossible for agents to follow?

When the SEC became the center of national attention last week with several alleged incidents of NCAA violations concerning improper contact between football players and NFL agents, SEC Commissioner Mike Slive, Florida coach Urban Meyer and Alabama coach Nick Saban all called for possible reform of NCAA rules, and said agents need to be held to stricter punishment if they violate the rules.

"As a conference, we have spent considerable time discussing this issue and we have heard from experts in the field in an effort to determine how best to manage these issues,'' Slive said. "These discussions should include a review of current NCAA rules, which in my view may be as much a part of the problem as they are part of the solution because the rules make it difficult for student-athletes to seek and obtain the kind of advice in the context in which they need it to properly evaluate potential opportunities for a career in professional sport.''

Saban went so far as to call some unscrupulous agents out, asking if they any different than "pimps.''

But longtime agent Ralph Cindrich told 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh that in today's climate agents are no different than coaches on the recruiting trail, and he was offended by some of the coaches' harsh remarks.

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Florida Gators fans, welcome to the Gator Report for all your news about Gators football, basketball and all UF sports. It's written by University of Florida beat writer Antonya English and the staff of the Tampa Bay Times. We invite your comments and participation.